About Us

The James Madison University Department of Physics & Astronomy within the College of Science & Mathematics is an undergraduate-only department with twenty faculty members and over one hundred and twenty majors. James Madison University is a state funded comprehensive university that consistently ranks near the top of its classification in many nationally published rankings. Our vision is to strive to be a leading undergraduate physics and astronomy department by building a research-active, student-centered community.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers both major and minor programs in Physics and a minor in Astronomy for students interested in a challenging program in pure and applied sciences. Several tracks exist within the major including materials science, computational physics, electronics, and applied nuclear physics which allow students preparing for a wide range of post-graduate options to pursue the curriculum best suited to their needs. The department also offers a 3/2 program in Engineering in conjunction with the University of Virginia. Check out our video to find out more about us:

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Employment

The Department of Physics and Astronomy currently has no active openings. Check back this Fall (2015) as the department expects to begin searching for a new tenure track faculty member.

Giving to JMU Physics & Astronomy

The Department of Physics & Astronomy relies on donations from our friends to carry out several important functions within the department and to support our strong scholarship program for our students. There are several ways to put your dollars to work within the department which greatly benefit our students. Any donation, no matter how small or large, is greatly appreciated. For more information on how to support the Physics & Astronomy department click here.

Contact Information

James Madison University is located in Harrisonburg, Virginia in the middle of the Shenandoah Valley just off of I81. The Valley is served by the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in Weyers Cave just 15 minutes from campus. Alternative airports include Charlottesville Ablemarle Airport approximately a 1 hour drive from Harrisonburg and Dulles International Airport which is about a 2 hour drive away. For local hotels, motels, and restaurants check here. Driving to campus? Take exit 245 Port Republic Road West. Turn into campus on Bluestone Drive. Follow Bluestone to Carrier Drive. Turn right on Carrier and continue on for about 1/2 mile. The Physics & Chemistry building will be on your right.